From staying hydrated with drinking water to staying clean, water is a necessary part of our everyday lives, which indicates the necessity of our plumbing systems. However, plumbing systems can become damaged from hard water – water that has a high concentration of minerals like magnesium, calcium, and manganese.
While these minerals won’t have any negative effects on your health, they can lead to damaged pipes and plumbing, which can eventually negatively impact your access to water. And, even if you don’t live in typical hard water zones, you can still see its effects in your plumbing. That’s why it’s important to notice the signs and symptoms of these problems, so that you can proactively purchase the right water softener.
Signs and Symptoms of Hard Water Problems
Hard water can be indicated by many signs that make cleaning and washing difficult. If you have noticed any of the following problems in your home, this may indicate that there is a hidden hard water problem:
- You have difficulty lathering shampoo and conditioner in your hair.
- You notice a ring around the tub.
- Your dishes have spots after washing and drying.
- Your coffeemaker has hard, mineral-like deposits are use.
- Your laundry is no longer as fresh and bright after washing, as it used to be.
If you have noticed any of these signs, you may have a hard water problem. It’s a good idea to hire a plumber, or take a look at your pipes yourself, to determine the extent of the issue. If you notice scale or lime deposits that could clog your pipes or slow the flow of water, you may need to hire professiona water treatment services. Otherwise, a water softener will be extremely beneficial.
The Different Types of Water Softeners
More than three quarters of homes in the United States are affected by hard water, so you’re not alone. Keep in mind that whole house filtration may help prevent these problems for the future and you’ll be well prepared to prevent it from occurring again. In the meantime, knowing the different types of water softeners can help you choose the right one for your home.
- Salt-Based Ion Exchange.
This type of water softener uses two tanks to remove hard ions, like magnesium and calcium, and replace them with sodium. To do this, one tank is filled with brine, while the other contains special resin beads. Due to its simplicity and versatility, this is one of the most common water softeners. - Salt Free.
A salt free water softener is very similar to the salt based ion exchange. However, it replaces the hard minerals with potassium instead of sodium. This is particularly beneficial if you are concerned about sodium intake, as your drinking water will also contain it. - Magnetic.
These softeners are often more controversial. They generally clip onto a pipe and generally change the magnetic field so that the ions and pipe repel each other. However, keep in mind that opponents of this mechanism feel it is ineffective at times. - Dual Tank.
The dual tank water softener is often beneficial to large families or those living in extreme hard water zones. While most softeners require time to recharge, during which they can’t be used, these softeners don’t require this time. Instead, the two resin tanks allow one to recharge, while the other can be used.
Whether you want a salt based or salt free water softener, finding the right one depends on your needs and preferences, as well as those of your family. Having effective and well-maintained plumbing is important, so that you have access to clean water. In fact, about a third of Americans are considered to be chronically dehydrated, without evening knowing. To prevent this from occurring in your family, make sure you keep an eye on hard water and use the right water softener!